New figures released by the Welsh Government show that outdoor activity tourism in Wales is worth £481 million to the economy and supports 8,243 Welsh jobs.

The research was undertaken by Visit Wales in partnership with the Wales Activity Tourism Organisation (WATO) which represents more than 600 outdoor activity tourism providers in Wales.

The report highlights that the sector makes a 10% contribution to the Welsh tourism economy through £220 million spend by day trippers, £236 million by domestic overnight visitors and £24million from international overnight visitors.

The survey included outdoor activity businesses as well as those taking part in outdoor activities in Wales. Of those taking part in activities 54% of those staying overnight revealed that they would not have made their visit to Wales if they were not taking part in the activity suggesting that outdoor activities are an important factor in attracting visitors to Wales.

A total of 54% of businesses surveyed considered that the awareness of outdoor activities has increased over the last three years. This was attributed to high profile events and competitions, media exposure, new activity provision such as mountain biking facilities and a new zip wire attraction in Snowdonia.

Tourism Minister, Edwina Hart, said: “Wales offers a wide range of outdoor activities and adventure opportunities for visitors have an important role to play in attracting visitors to Wales”.